Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans across the country, and many don’t even realize that they have this condition. Sleep apnea can cause poor-quality sleep and restlessness in minor cases. And in more severe cases, it can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, because it restricts the flow of oxygen to the body.
At New Providence Dentistry, Dr. Beth Herko specializes in treating and diagnosing sleep apnea with oral appliances. We want you to be well-informed about sleep apnea, how to recognize it, and how it’s treated in order to help keep you safe and happy.
Sleep apnea can refer to a number of different conditions that affect breathing and sleep. The most common type is “obstructive sleep apnea”.
As the name suggests, this kind of apnea is caused by the soft tissues of the throat, mouth, and palate relaxing during sleep, and blocking (obstructing) the airway for several seconds or longer, impeding your ability to breathe properly while sleeping.
It’s important to note the difference between sleep apnea and snoring. Snoring is simply caused by tissue vibration in the mouth and nose. While it is a major symptom of sleep apnea, snoring alone is not enough to diagnose sleep apnea.
If you know the symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s fairly simple to recognize. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Headaches when waking up in the morning
- Waking up in the middle of the night choking or gasping for air
- Excessive restlessness or tossing and turning during the night
- Failure to feel well-rested, even after 7-8 hours of sleep
- Poor quality sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Sore throat and dry mouth or nose upon waking
- Heavy, prolonged snoring, often accompanied by snorts or gasping
If you recognize one or more of these signs in yourself, your partner, or your child, schedule an appointment with Dr. Herko today.
In the past, CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machines were used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, by producing a continuous flow of air that prevents tissue relaxation. While this is effective, CPAP machines restrict sleeping positions and are hard to travel with.
This is why oral appliances are becoming much more popular as treatment options for sleep apnea. An oral appliance looks somewhat like a mouthguard or retainer. It shifts the position of the jaw muscles and oral tissue to prevent it from sagging into the airway and causing blockage of airflow to the lungs.
At New Providence Dentistry, Dr. Herko can create a custom oral appliance that will help you deal with your sleep apnea, and finally, get the restful sleep that you deserve.
If you think that you may have sleep apnea, don’t wait. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will be able to enjoy a night of restful, uninterrupted sleep. Contact the team at New Providence Dentistry for a sleep apnea consultation. You can give us a call at 908-376-9297 to get started, or stop by our office at 571 Central Ave, Suite 100 New Providence, NJ 07974 for an in-person consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and see you smile!
One thing that makes our dental practice unique is our attention to your needs. When you visit our office enjoy the following amenities.
Sleep Dentistry
Chill out, and stay calm with our oral conscious sedation options.
Netflix/Pandora
Listen to your favorite tunes, watch your favorite movie while we work.
Beverages
Enjoy cool water and hot coffee before or after treatment at out complimentary beverage station.
Sleep Dentistry
Put on protective eyewear while we work on your smile and enjoy natural light in our office.
Get Comfortable
Comfortable neck pillows & warm blankets available for you to get cozy while we treat your smile.